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Winter Springs is a city of approximately 38,000 residents in Seminole County, situated just northeast of Orlando in Central Florida. The city's proximity to major employment centers, top-rated schools, and the Greater Orlando metro area has made it an attractive rental market, with a significant share of households renting their homes. Renters in Winter Springs are governed entirely by Florida's statewide landlord-tenant law — there are no city-specific rental ordinances that go beyond what the state requires.
The most common questions Winter Springs tenants have involve security deposit returns, what notice a landlord must give before ending a lease, what to do when a landlord refuses to make repairs, and whether rent can be raised without warning. This guide answers each of those questions with specific references to Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682), which governs every rental relationship in the city.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. If you face eviction, discrimination, or another serious housing issue, contact a licensed Florida attorney or a local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Winter Springs has no rent control, and Florida law makes it impossible for any local government to enact one. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, which amended Fla. Stat. § 125.0103 to expressly preempt all local rent control ordinances statewide. This law was passed in direct response to a voter-approved rent stabilization measure in Orange County (which borders Seminole County to the south), effectively nullifying that ballot measure before it could take effect.
In practical terms, this means a landlord in Winter Springs can raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or upon proper notice for a month-to-month tenancy — there is no cap, no annual limit, and no requirement to justify the increase. The only constraint is that the landlord must provide adequate notice before a new rent amount takes effect (15 days for month-to-month tenancies under Fla. Stat. § 83.57) and cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).
Renters who are concerned about large rent increases should carefully review their lease terms before signing, negotiate for longer fixed-term leases when possible, and understand that state law currently offers no ceiling on rent amounts in Winter Springs or anywhere else in Florida.
Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.40–83.682) provides Winter Springs renters with a core set of protections that apply to all residential rental agreements in the state.
Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.51): Landlords are legally required to maintain rental units in a condition that complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes keeping plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural components in working order. If a landlord fails to meet this standard, tenants have specific remedies available under Fla. Stat. § 83.56, including the right to terminate the lease after serving proper written notice.
Repair Remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56): If a landlord fails to make required repairs, a tenant must first deliver a written 7-day notice specifying the deficiency and demanding correction. If the landlord does not act within 7 days, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement or, in some cases, pursue other legal remedies. Tenants cannot simply withhold rent without following this notice procedure.
Security Deposit Rules (Fla. Stat. § 83.49): Landlords must return a security deposit within 15 days after the tenant vacates if no deductions are claimed. If the landlord intends to make deductions, written notice must be sent to the tenant's last known address within 30 days. The tenant then has 15 days to object. A landlord who fails to follow this statutory process forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit.
Notice to Terminate (Fla. Stat. § 83.57): For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord must provide at least 15 days' written notice before the end of any monthly period to terminate the tenancy. Week-to-week tenants are entitled to 7 days' written notice. These are minimum requirements — a lease may provide for longer notice periods.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (Fla. Stat. § 83.64): A landlord may not increase rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction because a tenant has complained to a governmental agency about housing conditions, organized or joined a tenant union, or exercised any right protected by law. A retaliatory act by the landlord within the period prescribed by statute is presumed to be retaliatory, and the tenant may raise retaliation as a defense in an eviction proceeding.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): Florida law expressly prohibits landlords from engaging in self-help eviction tactics. A landlord cannot remove doors or windows, change the locks, or willfully interrupt water, heat, electricity, or other essential services to force a tenant out. Violations entitle the tenant to sue for actual damages or three months' rent (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees.
Florida law imposes specific procedural requirements on landlords who collect security deposits, and failure to follow them has serious consequences. These rules apply in full to all rental units in Winter Springs under Fla. Stat. § 83.49.
No Statutory Cap: Florida does not limit how large a security deposit a landlord may collect. The amount is set by negotiation between landlord and tenant and stated in the lease.
Holding Requirements: If a landlord collects a deposit of $50 or more, they must hold it in one of three ways: (1) in a separate non-interest-bearing Florida bank account; (2) in a separate interest-bearing account, with interest paid to the tenant; or (3) by posting a surety bond. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of receiving the deposit about where and how it is being held.
Return Deadline — No Deductions: If the landlord makes no claim against the deposit, it must be returned to the tenant within 15 days after the tenant vacates the unit and delivers possession.
Return Deadline — With Deductions: If the landlord intends to make deductions for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations, they must send the tenant a written notice of the intended deductions by certified mail to the tenant's last known address within 30 days of the tenant vacating. The tenant then has 15 days to object in writing.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: A landlord who fails to give the required 30-day notice of deductions, or who fails to return the deposit within 15 days when no deductions are claimed, forfeits all right to retain any portion of the deposit and may be liable for the tenant's attorney's fees in a legal action to recover it (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)).
Eviction in Winter Springs is governed exclusively by Florida state law under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 83.55–83.625). Florida does not require just cause for eviction — a landlord can choose not to renew a lease for any non-discriminatory reason, provided proper notice is given.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must deliver a proper written notice to the tenant. The type and duration of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in County Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint (unlawful detainer action) in Seminole County Court. The tenant must be personally served with the complaint and summons.
Step 3 — Tenant Response: The tenant typically has 5 business days to file a written response with the court after being served. If the tenant fails to respond, the court may enter a default judgment in the landlord's favor.
Step 4 — Hearing and Judgment: If the tenant contests the eviction, a hearing is scheduled. Either party may present evidence. The judge will issue a ruling; if the landlord prevails, a writ of possession is issued.
Step 5 — Writ of Possession: A writ of possession authorizes the Seminole County Sheriff to remove the tenant and their belongings from the property if they have not vacated voluntarily within 24 hours of the writ being posted.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: At no point in this process may a landlord remove a tenant's belongings, change the locks, shut off utilities, or otherwise attempt to force the tenant out without a court order. Doing so violates Fla. Stat. § 83.67, and the tenant may sue for actual damages or three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees and costs.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date, Florida landlord-tenant law can change, and local circumstances vary. Renters facing eviction, security deposit disputes, habitability problems, or other serious housing issues should consult a licensed Florida attorney or contact a local legal aid organization for advice specific to their situation. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not represent any user.
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